Twenty minutes after administering pain medication to the patient, the nurse asks if the patient's pain level has decreased. What phase of the nursing process does this demonstrate?

Choice A reason: Assessment is the first phase of the nursing process, where the nurse collects data about the patient's health status, needs, preferences, and goals.

Choice B reason: Analysis/Diagnosis is the second phase of the nursing process, where the nurse interprets the data and identifies the patient's problems, risks, and strengths.

Choice C reason: Planning is the third phase of the nursing process, where the nurse develops a care plan that specifies the expected outcomes, interventions, and priorities for the patient.

Choice D reason: Implementation is the fourth phase of the nursing process, where the nurse executes the care plan and performs the interventions for the patient.

Choice E reason: Evaluation is the fifth and final phase of the nursing process, where the nurse measures the effectiveness of the interventions and compares the actual outcomes with the expected outcomes. Asking the patient about their pain level after giving pain medication is an example of evaluation.

Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer because offering to notify the health care provider after morning rounds are completed is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should act promptly and advocate for the patient's pain management needs, rather than delaying the communication with the health care provider.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because exploring other options for pain relief is the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should assess the patient's pain level, location, quality, and contributing factors, and use a multimodal approach to pain management that includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, such as ice, heat, distraction, relaxation, or massage.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because discussing the surgical procedure and reason for the pain is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should focus on alleviating the patient's pain, rather than educating the patient about the surgery. The nurse can provide information and reassurance to the patient after the pain is controlled.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because explaining to the patient that nothing else has been ordered is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should not dismiss the patient's pain or imply that the patient has no other options for pain relief. The nurse should collaborate with the patient and the health care provider to find the best pain management plan for the patient.